motife
05-09-2006, 06:25 PM
Packers Mini-Camp Report: May 5
by Roger Anderson, Packers.com
posted 05/05/2006
On Friday the Green Bay Packers took their first collective step in a new direction.
With first-year head coach Mike McCarthy leading the way, the team officially opened the 2006 season with a non-contact practice session inside the Don Hutson Center. The session opened the first of two, three-day mini-camps in the month of May.
The practice got under way with quarterback Brett Favre breaking a huddle on the North end of the Center, but with no defense to oppose him. And first-round draft choice A.J. Hawk was running drills on the opposite end without the restrictions of an offensive blocking scheme, or a helmet to hold back his hair.
Taking their place on the first-string offense were three-year veteran Scott Wells handling the center duties and second-round draft choice Daryn Colledge lining up at left guard. Samkon Gado was in the backfield and would burst through the line and sprint downfield on the first play from scrimmage.
For McCarthy, the first day of mini-camp represented his first chance to implement part one of his offensive scheme. Part two is to be delivered Saturday, with a repeat of parts one and two during the next mini-camp as well as an introduction to the third-down offensive system.
For Favre this means learning a whole new way of thinking on the football field, and for his new coach it means teaching his system to a future hall of famer.
"He's eager, he's going to be challenged mentally in a way that he hasn't been challenged in a while because we have changed the offense," McCarthy said. "I think that's healthy ... Brett Favre is a football player and I think he's in the environment that he belongs in"
McCarthy said Favre is picking up quickly the new language he is implementing into the offensive scheme, and after a two-hour conversation on Thursday night, the two appear to be on the same page.
And that is exactly the point where McCarthy is trying to get with his rookies in particular. Wide receiver Greg Jennings appeared to be the standout guy when it came to rookie performance, making a nice cut and beating Charles Woodson on the second play of 7-on-7 work.
"I thought he looked very natural, a very natural pass catcher," McCarthy said. "He had a hook there in the (7-on-7), he had bump-and-run and we refer to the technique as a speed move where he has to adjust his route, drop his weight and cross the face of the (defensive back). I almost had to look and check his number because I thought it was Donald (Driver)."
Knowing that his first-year players are going to have the hardest time adjusting to the NFL as well as his scheme, McCarthy made sure to take time out to meet with them before the season began.
"When I spoke to them last night the number one thing I said I wanted to see from the rookies is them competing, I want to see them stick their nose in there and get after it," he said. "Yes, they're probably going to make some mistakes, it was evident today, we had a few mistakes but they got to make the step to the pro level and the first hurdle they need to overcome is the competition and I was pleased with that.
"Obviously I don't have the scheme down right now but eventually I'm going to get it and get in there and play," rookie cornerback Will Blackmon said. "I bring a lot of energy. I just feel like if I come here and I'm positive everyday I'll just feed off of everybody else... it's fun working with Al Harris and Charles Woodson."
For highly-touted free agents like Woodson and defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, the practice provided their first opportunity to strap on a green and gold helmet that has come to symbolize one of the best professional sport's teams in America.
"It felt good. Just being back out there on the field," Woodson said. "It was definitely strange ... I think this is a good move for me, me and my family as well, and just a good fit for the team and I'm ready to go."
Woodson, who wore No 2 while fielding punts as well as playing cornerback during the practice, came to Green Bay with more hype than any free agent this off-season. He delivered on that hype with a solid practice and an interception of a Brett Favre pass intended for Jennings.
The full roster will be back in action again on Saturday for a morning practice at the Don Hutson center at 10:15 and an afternoon practice at 3 p.m. Even with a full-tilt of football ahead of them this weekend, not even the rookies are letting the heavy workload get in the way of having a little fun doing what they love.
"I don't think you pace yourself. We were going hard, offense, defense, it's the first day back and everybody's pretty excited to get out there," first-round draft choice A.J. Hawk said." With me being a rookie, I want to get out there and just show I'm going out hard, and competing, and definitely get out there and have some fun."
***Email | Print
Packers Mini-Camp Report: May 6
by Roger Anderson, Packers.com
posted 05/06/2006
It was a logical fit that on the second practice of the second day of mini-camp, Head Coach Mike McCarthy would implement the second installation of his new offensive system.
"Everything we do has a progression," McCarthy said. "You always want to stack so you're able to build ... and I think it makes the learning curve easier."
Not even 16-year veteran Brett Favre is immune to that learning curve, engaging McCarthy in conversation over the first two days of camp to clarify strategy and language changes.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers appear to be remolding a unit, which was ranked No. 1 against the pass a year ago, into an even stronger engine with different parts. In Friday's early practice, rookie free agent Tra Boger intercepted a pass thrown over the middle and ran toward the right corner of the endzone before reversing his direction and sprinting back across the left half of the field for a score.
Favre recovering from coming back
After a spirited lightweight workout on Friday, Brett Favre spent most of his time in the morning workout Saturday talking to coaches, players, GM Ted Thompson and EVP/COO John Jones.
"My shoulder's a little sore, my ankles hurt, but I can't complain," Favre said. "I mean, considering I haven't done anything up to this point, I can't expect to feel great."
Rodgers works with first team
Favre's recovery time paved the way for second-year quarterback Aaron Rodgers to work with the first team offense. And he didn't disappoint. Soon after full-team drills started, Rodgers threw a 35-yard score to Rod Gardner and then on the ensuing play dropped another 35-yeard toss over the shoulder of Marc Boerigter who was streaking down the right side of the field.
"I think Aaron's having an excellent mini-camp," McCarthy said. "I think he's put together three good practices so far."
The bigger the better
Mike McCarthy has yet to make it through a press conference in Green Bay this mini-camp without mentioning the hard work and personal commitment that a record number of players put into the offseason weight-lifting program. Between mid-March and early May nearly 80-percent of the roster had subscribed to the strength and conditioning program put forth by first-year hire Rock Gullickson. The result; a bigger, faster, stronger roster. Even at the wide receiver position.
"It's the biggest group of receivers that I've ever coached or worked with, and that's what we're looking for," McCarthy said. "We're looking for physical individuals. Ted and I talked about it a lot, when you run on the field you almost want the field to tilt and that's the kind of football we want to play here."
Working the O-line
While the Packers' key position players worked on drills with their individual units at the start of the morning practice, the most important pieces to the puzzle may have been sorting themselves out at the other end of the Don Hutson Center. There, the offensive line worked under the watchful eyes of assistant offensive line coach James Campen and injured veterans Chad Clifton and Adrian Klemm.
Following McCarthy's lead on helping the younger players most in getting up to speed, Campen, several times, took rookie guard Tony Moll aside to help explain the fundamentals of what they were trying to accomplish.
And it was another rookie who stood out for his role working with the No. 1 offense. For the second day in a row Daryn Colledge made an impact on the field and an impression on the coaching staff.
"He's explosive like we thought he was," McCarthy said. "Very quick hands ... able to get to the second level which is very important."
One day left
With one day left of mini-camp before the players can catch their breath, McCarthy remains excited about taking the Packers in a new direction and implementing a new offensive scheme ... even if it means a few growing pains along the way.
"We are steadily getting better," he said in regards to getting the team to look and practice the way he would like them to. "We still want the tempo faster and we're still trying to get that. That will always be the challenge in your first year."
Packers Mini-Camp Report: May 7
by Roger Anderson, Packers.com
posted 05/07/2006
The first step is usually the hardest.
But having now completed it, first-year Head Coach Mike McCarthy hopes that when the Packers' second mini-camp starts May 19, the footprint from that step will still be around.
Having met with his players, and having instilled within them and his coaching staff the direction the team is headed, McCarthy is confident that the installation of the first and second down offense was a success. And in less than two weeks he'll be back at it again.
"When we come back for the second mini-camp we're actually going to go back and repeat it, particularly for the young guys," McCarthy said. "So our first and second down offense will be repeated, the foundation of it, in the second mini-camp, and then we'll introduce third down. Once we get to the OTA we're going to go back and repeat it again."
The organized team activities that McCarthy was talking about will take place in two- and three-day segments from May 31-June 21.
"Also in our OTAs we're going to have review days. We're taking steps; it is our first year as a coaching staff in all three areas and the defense is probably ahead of the learning curve because they were together last year in their system," McCarthy said. "We're just very conscientious of getting the foundation of our offense in so that it will kind of give us the opportunity to help the older guys get reps but also tailor our installation process to our younger guys."
And those younger guys have begun to thrive.
"I came in here with the thought process and the mind frame that everyone was going to be fast," rookie wide receiver Greg Jennings said. "But you have to adjust your game to that speed and that's what I tried to do. The biggest thing was getting the offense down and not having to think."
Of the skills players the Packers are taking their first look at, Jennings excelled, making catches on deep balls and cutting his routes with a precision that had McCarthy thinking he was Donald Driver at one point.
Favre returns
With quarterback Brett Favre back in Green Bay, the Packers were able to begin installing their new offensive scheme with a 16-year NFL veteran at the helm.
And the dialogue between coach and quarterback began early on with a 2-hour conversation on the eve of Friday's mini-camp practice. McCarthy contends that because Favre "has the mind of a coach" he has adapted well to the new way things are being done in the organization. While the language barrier was one that could have gotten in the way, Favre has embraced the new ways he will be calling plays and has learned very fast the technique his new coach wants him to use, according to McCarthy.
"It's important for him to play within the realm of your offense and I think he always has," McCarthy said of Favre. "I've said it over and over again, when you call plays, the play caller and the quarterback have got to be on the same page and have got to know when to push the envelope and when to pull back."
Mr. Rodgers' weight room
With Favre in limbo about his return up until a few weeks ago, second year quarterback Aaron Rodgers took it into his own hands to prepare as though he may be starting for the Packers this season. Coach McCarthy praised the young man's decision to attend the off-season weight-lifting program and quarterback classes, saying that since college Rodgers has become faster and stronger.
"I came in this off-season (and) for the first year in a couple years," Rodgers said. "I actually have been healthy so I have a good base to build on and have been working hard in the weight room and in the training room doing some stuff to get my core right."
Gado running up the reps
Samkon Gado burst onto the NFL scene last season with an array of power and ability. This year he started the season by taking a handoff from Favre on the first snap of mini-camp and hitting the whole hard for a 20-yard burst.
Gado, who signed with the Packers as a free agent out of Liberty University last season, is again making the most out of injuries to running backs Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport.
"Sam has done a great job with the off-season training program," McCarthy said. "He's a powerful young man, he has a very bright future ahead of him, he's very explosive and he has a complete understanding of what's asked of him. He's a good example of a guy that's benefited from being here since March 20. He knows the assignments ... I'm excited to see him when we get into pads."
A new Pickett in Green Bay
With all the excitement that has surrounded the signing of free-agent cornerback Charles Woodson, free-agent tackle Ryan Pickett seemed to slip a little under the radar this mini-camp. But that doesn't mean that he wasn't being watched intensely by the coaching staff. For Pickett, a six-year veteran, the move to Green Bay has provided a fresh start that he looks to turn into season of fruitful reward.
"I'm excited because I'm starting all over again," Pickett said. "I'm learning stuff that I've never learned before and I'm excited about learning it. Coach (Bob) Sanders' defense, I think, is going to be phenomenal. I'm loving it ... It feels like my first year playing football."
http://www.packerstrainingcamp.com/
by Roger Anderson, Packers.com
posted 05/05/2006
On Friday the Green Bay Packers took their first collective step in a new direction.
With first-year head coach Mike McCarthy leading the way, the team officially opened the 2006 season with a non-contact practice session inside the Don Hutson Center. The session opened the first of two, three-day mini-camps in the month of May.
The practice got under way with quarterback Brett Favre breaking a huddle on the North end of the Center, but with no defense to oppose him. And first-round draft choice A.J. Hawk was running drills on the opposite end without the restrictions of an offensive blocking scheme, or a helmet to hold back his hair.
Taking their place on the first-string offense were three-year veteran Scott Wells handling the center duties and second-round draft choice Daryn Colledge lining up at left guard. Samkon Gado was in the backfield and would burst through the line and sprint downfield on the first play from scrimmage.
For McCarthy, the first day of mini-camp represented his first chance to implement part one of his offensive scheme. Part two is to be delivered Saturday, with a repeat of parts one and two during the next mini-camp as well as an introduction to the third-down offensive system.
For Favre this means learning a whole new way of thinking on the football field, and for his new coach it means teaching his system to a future hall of famer.
"He's eager, he's going to be challenged mentally in a way that he hasn't been challenged in a while because we have changed the offense," McCarthy said. "I think that's healthy ... Brett Favre is a football player and I think he's in the environment that he belongs in"
McCarthy said Favre is picking up quickly the new language he is implementing into the offensive scheme, and after a two-hour conversation on Thursday night, the two appear to be on the same page.
And that is exactly the point where McCarthy is trying to get with his rookies in particular. Wide receiver Greg Jennings appeared to be the standout guy when it came to rookie performance, making a nice cut and beating Charles Woodson on the second play of 7-on-7 work.
"I thought he looked very natural, a very natural pass catcher," McCarthy said. "He had a hook there in the (7-on-7), he had bump-and-run and we refer to the technique as a speed move where he has to adjust his route, drop his weight and cross the face of the (defensive back). I almost had to look and check his number because I thought it was Donald (Driver)."
Knowing that his first-year players are going to have the hardest time adjusting to the NFL as well as his scheme, McCarthy made sure to take time out to meet with them before the season began.
"When I spoke to them last night the number one thing I said I wanted to see from the rookies is them competing, I want to see them stick their nose in there and get after it," he said. "Yes, they're probably going to make some mistakes, it was evident today, we had a few mistakes but they got to make the step to the pro level and the first hurdle they need to overcome is the competition and I was pleased with that.
"Obviously I don't have the scheme down right now but eventually I'm going to get it and get in there and play," rookie cornerback Will Blackmon said. "I bring a lot of energy. I just feel like if I come here and I'm positive everyday I'll just feed off of everybody else... it's fun working with Al Harris and Charles Woodson."
For highly-touted free agents like Woodson and defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, the practice provided their first opportunity to strap on a green and gold helmet that has come to symbolize one of the best professional sport's teams in America.
"It felt good. Just being back out there on the field," Woodson said. "It was definitely strange ... I think this is a good move for me, me and my family as well, and just a good fit for the team and I'm ready to go."
Woodson, who wore No 2 while fielding punts as well as playing cornerback during the practice, came to Green Bay with more hype than any free agent this off-season. He delivered on that hype with a solid practice and an interception of a Brett Favre pass intended for Jennings.
The full roster will be back in action again on Saturday for a morning practice at the Don Hutson center at 10:15 and an afternoon practice at 3 p.m. Even with a full-tilt of football ahead of them this weekend, not even the rookies are letting the heavy workload get in the way of having a little fun doing what they love.
"I don't think you pace yourself. We were going hard, offense, defense, it's the first day back and everybody's pretty excited to get out there," first-round draft choice A.J. Hawk said." With me being a rookie, I want to get out there and just show I'm going out hard, and competing, and definitely get out there and have some fun."
***Email | Print
Packers Mini-Camp Report: May 6
by Roger Anderson, Packers.com
posted 05/06/2006
It was a logical fit that on the second practice of the second day of mini-camp, Head Coach Mike McCarthy would implement the second installation of his new offensive system.
"Everything we do has a progression," McCarthy said. "You always want to stack so you're able to build ... and I think it makes the learning curve easier."
Not even 16-year veteran Brett Favre is immune to that learning curve, engaging McCarthy in conversation over the first two days of camp to clarify strategy and language changes.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Packers appear to be remolding a unit, which was ranked No. 1 against the pass a year ago, into an even stronger engine with different parts. In Friday's early practice, rookie free agent Tra Boger intercepted a pass thrown over the middle and ran toward the right corner of the endzone before reversing his direction and sprinting back across the left half of the field for a score.
Favre recovering from coming back
After a spirited lightweight workout on Friday, Brett Favre spent most of his time in the morning workout Saturday talking to coaches, players, GM Ted Thompson and EVP/COO John Jones.
"My shoulder's a little sore, my ankles hurt, but I can't complain," Favre said. "I mean, considering I haven't done anything up to this point, I can't expect to feel great."
Rodgers works with first team
Favre's recovery time paved the way for second-year quarterback Aaron Rodgers to work with the first team offense. And he didn't disappoint. Soon after full-team drills started, Rodgers threw a 35-yard score to Rod Gardner and then on the ensuing play dropped another 35-yeard toss over the shoulder of Marc Boerigter who was streaking down the right side of the field.
"I think Aaron's having an excellent mini-camp," McCarthy said. "I think he's put together three good practices so far."
The bigger the better
Mike McCarthy has yet to make it through a press conference in Green Bay this mini-camp without mentioning the hard work and personal commitment that a record number of players put into the offseason weight-lifting program. Between mid-March and early May nearly 80-percent of the roster had subscribed to the strength and conditioning program put forth by first-year hire Rock Gullickson. The result; a bigger, faster, stronger roster. Even at the wide receiver position.
"It's the biggest group of receivers that I've ever coached or worked with, and that's what we're looking for," McCarthy said. "We're looking for physical individuals. Ted and I talked about it a lot, when you run on the field you almost want the field to tilt and that's the kind of football we want to play here."
Working the O-line
While the Packers' key position players worked on drills with their individual units at the start of the morning practice, the most important pieces to the puzzle may have been sorting themselves out at the other end of the Don Hutson Center. There, the offensive line worked under the watchful eyes of assistant offensive line coach James Campen and injured veterans Chad Clifton and Adrian Klemm.
Following McCarthy's lead on helping the younger players most in getting up to speed, Campen, several times, took rookie guard Tony Moll aside to help explain the fundamentals of what they were trying to accomplish.
And it was another rookie who stood out for his role working with the No. 1 offense. For the second day in a row Daryn Colledge made an impact on the field and an impression on the coaching staff.
"He's explosive like we thought he was," McCarthy said. "Very quick hands ... able to get to the second level which is very important."
One day left
With one day left of mini-camp before the players can catch their breath, McCarthy remains excited about taking the Packers in a new direction and implementing a new offensive scheme ... even if it means a few growing pains along the way.
"We are steadily getting better," he said in regards to getting the team to look and practice the way he would like them to. "We still want the tempo faster and we're still trying to get that. That will always be the challenge in your first year."
Packers Mini-Camp Report: May 7
by Roger Anderson, Packers.com
posted 05/07/2006
The first step is usually the hardest.
But having now completed it, first-year Head Coach Mike McCarthy hopes that when the Packers' second mini-camp starts May 19, the footprint from that step will still be around.
Having met with his players, and having instilled within them and his coaching staff the direction the team is headed, McCarthy is confident that the installation of the first and second down offense was a success. And in less than two weeks he'll be back at it again.
"When we come back for the second mini-camp we're actually going to go back and repeat it, particularly for the young guys," McCarthy said. "So our first and second down offense will be repeated, the foundation of it, in the second mini-camp, and then we'll introduce third down. Once we get to the OTA we're going to go back and repeat it again."
The organized team activities that McCarthy was talking about will take place in two- and three-day segments from May 31-June 21.
"Also in our OTAs we're going to have review days. We're taking steps; it is our first year as a coaching staff in all three areas and the defense is probably ahead of the learning curve because they were together last year in their system," McCarthy said. "We're just very conscientious of getting the foundation of our offense in so that it will kind of give us the opportunity to help the older guys get reps but also tailor our installation process to our younger guys."
And those younger guys have begun to thrive.
"I came in here with the thought process and the mind frame that everyone was going to be fast," rookie wide receiver Greg Jennings said. "But you have to adjust your game to that speed and that's what I tried to do. The biggest thing was getting the offense down and not having to think."
Of the skills players the Packers are taking their first look at, Jennings excelled, making catches on deep balls and cutting his routes with a precision that had McCarthy thinking he was Donald Driver at one point.
Favre returns
With quarterback Brett Favre back in Green Bay, the Packers were able to begin installing their new offensive scheme with a 16-year NFL veteran at the helm.
And the dialogue between coach and quarterback began early on with a 2-hour conversation on the eve of Friday's mini-camp practice. McCarthy contends that because Favre "has the mind of a coach" he has adapted well to the new way things are being done in the organization. While the language barrier was one that could have gotten in the way, Favre has embraced the new ways he will be calling plays and has learned very fast the technique his new coach wants him to use, according to McCarthy.
"It's important for him to play within the realm of your offense and I think he always has," McCarthy said of Favre. "I've said it over and over again, when you call plays, the play caller and the quarterback have got to be on the same page and have got to know when to push the envelope and when to pull back."
Mr. Rodgers' weight room
With Favre in limbo about his return up until a few weeks ago, second year quarterback Aaron Rodgers took it into his own hands to prepare as though he may be starting for the Packers this season. Coach McCarthy praised the young man's decision to attend the off-season weight-lifting program and quarterback classes, saying that since college Rodgers has become faster and stronger.
"I came in this off-season (and) for the first year in a couple years," Rodgers said. "I actually have been healthy so I have a good base to build on and have been working hard in the weight room and in the training room doing some stuff to get my core right."
Gado running up the reps
Samkon Gado burst onto the NFL scene last season with an array of power and ability. This year he started the season by taking a handoff from Favre on the first snap of mini-camp and hitting the whole hard for a 20-yard burst.
Gado, who signed with the Packers as a free agent out of Liberty University last season, is again making the most out of injuries to running backs Ahman Green and Najeh Davenport.
"Sam has done a great job with the off-season training program," McCarthy said. "He's a powerful young man, he has a very bright future ahead of him, he's very explosive and he has a complete understanding of what's asked of him. He's a good example of a guy that's benefited from being here since March 20. He knows the assignments ... I'm excited to see him when we get into pads."
A new Pickett in Green Bay
With all the excitement that has surrounded the signing of free-agent cornerback Charles Woodson, free-agent tackle Ryan Pickett seemed to slip a little under the radar this mini-camp. But that doesn't mean that he wasn't being watched intensely by the coaching staff. For Pickett, a six-year veteran, the move to Green Bay has provided a fresh start that he looks to turn into season of fruitful reward.
"I'm excited because I'm starting all over again," Pickett said. "I'm learning stuff that I've never learned before and I'm excited about learning it. Coach (Bob) Sanders' defense, I think, is going to be phenomenal. I'm loving it ... It feels like my first year playing football."
http://www.packerstrainingcamp.com/